Pella High School Newsletter
March 2024
DEAR PELLA HIGH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES,
Spring activities are underway! Plans for several big events, such as prom and graduation, are progressing. I continue to be in awe of the heart and energy of our students and staff, and I appreciate the continued efforts of both and parents in our final push to the end!
Sincerely,
Josh Manning, Principal
Derek Schulte
Assistant Principal
Matt Fouch
Activities Director
Bionic Dutch Qualify for State Tournament for the First Time!
Congratulations to the Bionic Dutch for securing a spot in the State of Iowa Robotics Championship for the first time in school history! Alongside this historic accomplishment, the team also earned the prestigious Engineering Design Award and the Finalist Alliance Award. Special congratulations are extended to team Captains Jack Weaver and Ben Holmbeck, who were acknowledged as Dean's List Semi-finalists. The State Championships will be held on March 1st-2nd in Coralville. Good luck!!
2024-25 School Registration is Open Online: Deadline is March 31
To complete registration, visit www.pellaschools.org/register and follow the steps under RETURNING STUDENT. Or, simply find the ONLINE REGISTRATION button under MORE on Campus Parent Portal. On July 1, 2024, the required 2024-25 Textbook Fee will be available along with the optional fees such as Athletic Passes, Yearbook, and Parking Permit.
Questions about the 2024-25 school registration can be directed to Shayla Gift by emailing shayla.gift@pellaschools.org or by calling 641-628-9539.
IOWA STATE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS (ISASP): PRACTICE TESTS
The week of March 18, all 9th, 10th, & 11th graders will take their ISASP Math and ELA practice tests in their Math and ELA classes. Additionally, 10th graders will have their ISASP Science practice test during their science classes.
On March 22, students will take practice tests in reading and writing in a “test day” format, which will introduce them to the format and help them learn the tools that are built into the online system for grades 3-11. Students will report to their 4th period class at 8:10 a.m. for the practice tests. Seniors will not need to report to school until 9:00 a.m. on practice test day.
If you would like to view the practice tests for any grade level, they are available at this link. We appreciate you communicating the importance of the test with your child and the importance of them doing their best because these tests impact our students, school, and community.
INFORMATION ON THE IOWA STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT (ISASP): TESTING DATES
The state of Iowa will continue to use the state assessment that will be given to every student in grades 3-11 during the fourth quarter of this year. The test is called the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student progress or ISASP. The Pella Community Schools will give these tests March 25 - March 28.
The tests are not timed. Students can take as long as they need but the following guidelines have been given to us for planning.
Reading - allow 60 minutes for grades 3-11
Math - allow for 60 minutes for grades 3-11
Language Arts / Writing - allow 80 minutes for grades 3-11
Science - allow 60 minutes for grades 5, 8, and 10
Students will only take one test per day.
Questions are now varied in style including essay, short answer, and multiple choice.
Bell Schedules for Testing are below, but they may be altered slightly because we are still finalizing plans for the week to maximize the opportunity!
REPORT CARDS FOR YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
If your insurance company is in need of your child’s report card, please print the report card from the DOCUMENTS section on your Campus Parent Portal. Please do not print off grades from the GRADES section. If you need assistance to access your child’s information, please contact Mandy Roe at mandy.roe@pellaschools.org.
ACT Prep & Registration
As students plan for taking the ACT test, there are multiple ways to prepare. The course work at Pella HS during a student’s junior year includes much of the content the ACT is testing.
An ACT workshop is planned at Pella High School for March 25th and 26th from 6:00-8:30. An instructor from the Doorway to College company will lead students in a classroom setting workshop with tips and strategies for the ACT standardized test. It is encouraged for juniors to take the ACT test in April or June if they anticipate attending a four year institution. Visit the Doorway to College website for registration, study tips and statistics on the workshop benefits.
The ACT registration website has all testing dates and deadlines for the Spring ACT testing dates.
There are also free online ACT test preparation options on the ACT website.
Senior Volunteer Hours
All non-Tulip Time volunteer hours for our Distinguished Service Program are due on Friday, April 26. As a courtesy to our parent volunteer who logs the hours, please turn in your forms by the end of the school day that Friday. If you need Tulip Time volunteer hours to get to the 100 required for the graduation cord, submit all other hours by the 26th and then submit Tulip Time hours on Monday, May 6, by 3:30. We will not accept late submissions.
College Planning and Financial Aid
Pella High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Night for junior students and parents to gain insight on the college financial aid process. On Monday, April 15th, please join ICAN at 6:00pm in the PHS Auditorium to learn more.
The planning for post-secondary education greatly hinges on financial aid for families, especially as educational costs continue to rise. The regulations within the financial aid world have occasional changes, so please come learn more. Visit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website to begin your application.
The ICAN (www.icansucceed.org) organization is a fabulous resource for families.
It is a free resource in Iowa, for any assistance about the online filing process and policies, please contact them. Appointments are available to assist with any questions or concerns in regards to your family's financial aid process. Junior families, the best time to schedule an appointment for assistance will be in the fall.
Open Campus Next Year
Please continue to make attendance and grades a priority for your students, as Open Campus eligibility for next year’s juniors during SMART Lunch and seniors during open periods and SMART Lunch is determined this semester. Parent permission for Open Campus for next year’s juniors and seniors is found in the 2024-25 Online Registration. No paper forms will be sent home.
Senior Bulletin
Please continue to check the Senior Bulletin for important dates for seniors and for local scholarship opportunities; the bulletin can be found on our school’s web page under the ‘Counseling’ link.
Transcript Requests
If you need an official transcript sent to an educational institution, you must submit a request. Transcript Request Form
Leader in Me: Habits to Home
When our school adopted Leader in Me, we also adopted their 5 Core Paradigms that drive our decisions, behaviors, and results. A paradigm is simply the way we “see” things. These 5 Core Paradigms include:
Everyone can be a leader
Everyone has genius
Change starts with me
Empower students to lead their own learning
Educators and families partner to develop the whole person
These paradigms or “the way we see things” at our school drive our everyday interaction with not only your student, but ourselves too. A partnership with families supports our ability for students to lead their own educational journey—empowering them to be responsible, reflective, and active in their learning experiences. The great news about paradigms is that they are also powerful at home! When you operate through these five paradigms in your own life, you are communicating your own value as well as encouraging greatness in your student. Ways to engage your family in these paradigms can include:
PARADIGM ACTIVITY Everyone can be a leader Recognize that you are a leader. Reflect on your strengths and the strengths of your family members. Everyone has genius. Ask your student what their unique genius is. Change starts with me. Discuss how each member of the family has shown personal responsibility for their actions and choices. Empower students to lead their own learning. Empower your student at home to be “in charge” of their learning experience by asking questions rather than just always giving them the answer. Educators and families partner to develop the whole person. Reflect on how you take care of your mind, body, heart, and spirit and share that with other members of your family.
Second Semester Calendar of Events
2nd Semester Dates for the High School:
March 8: Midterm/End 3rd Quarter
March 11-15: Spring Break
March 18: Begin 4th Quarter
March 26: 9-week grades are due @ 9:00 am (Mid-term)
March 20: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
March 25-28 ISASP Testing Week
March 29: No School - Good Friday
April 3: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
April 10: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
April 16: 12-week grades due @ 9:00 am
April 17: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
April 20: Junior/Senior Prom
April 24: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
May 2: Tulip Time - 11:15 Dismissal
May 3: Tulip Time - 11:15 Dismissal
May 7: 15-week grades are due @ 9:00 am
May 8: Senior Awards Night
May 8: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
May 15: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
May 16: Seniors Last Day
May 17: Graduation
May 29-31 (9th -11th) : Semester Assessment, Laptop Return, & Student Check-Out
May 31: Last Day of School
June 3: Teacher Work Day
June 3: Final grades due at NOON
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